Stride was proud to return to the Iowa State Capitol this year for the 16th Annual Autism Advocacy & Acceptance Day on the Hill, hosted by the Autism Society of Iowa. The event brought together families, advocates, educators, students, school leaders, and lawmakers for a day dedicated to raising awareness, sharing lived experiences, and advocating…
Venturing out into the community as a family can help autistic children engage and learn through new experiences. Taking the extra step to research some sensory-friendly activities that the whole family can enjoy will mean a lot to your child, allowing them to have fun in a safe environment. Here are some autism-inclusive activities in…
From beautiful parks and colorful playgrounds to fascinating museums and other indoor activities, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is an excellent place for families. But what if your little one has autism spectrum disorder? Thankfully, Cedar Rapids is becoming an autism-inclusive community, offering plenty of sensory-friendly activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. What Makes an…
We were proud to see one of our Northwest Omaha families recently featured on KMTV, sharing their experience supporting their young son, Cooper. In the interview, Cooper’s parent Ryan spoke with our CEO Brad Zelinger about what their family’s journey has looked like since beginning early intervention. Stories like Cooper’s matter because many families are…
As a parent, you would love to give the perfect gift that lights up your kiddo’s face. Finding holiday gifts for children with autism involves considering their specific needs for predictability, routine, and sensory comfort, rather than traditional, overwhelming holiday experiences. This quick guide for busy parents has been expertly curated to make holiday shopping…
Finding fun activities for children with autism can feel easier when you know which venues offer sensory supports, quieter times, and flexible experiences. We’ve put together all the information you need for inclusive activities in Omaha. Our aim is to help your family discover new favorites at your kiddo’s pace. You’ll also find local resources and…
When your child is newly diagnosed with autism, one of the first major decisions you’ll face is where to begin therapy. For many families, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is recommended as an evidence-based approach to help children build communication, social, and learning skills. But as you start researching, you’ll quickly realize something: not all ABA…
Thanksgiving is a time to build lasting memories and traditions. Involving kids in the cooking and preparations adds extra meaning to these moments. Children also learn practical skills and grow in confidence when they play a part in making the holiday special. For parents of young children with autism, the idea of including your child…
Thanksgiving is a time for joy and togetherness — but it’s not without its challenges for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The holiday replaces your child’s predictable, everyday life with an unfamiliar and highly stimulating environment, which can be stressful and overwhelming. Sensory activities like arts and crafts can help your child during this busy season by…
Finding the right support for your child with autism can feel overwhelming, especially as Nebraska’s Medicaid rules for ABA therapy continue to change. If you’re worried about how these updates might affect your family’s access to care, we are here to help. We’ve broken down the latest changes to Medicaid and ABA therapy in Nebraska,…